The races I recommend to the runners I coach, from your first fun run to a 100K in the Blue Mountains. Pick a race, then build your training back from race day.
Races are listed in date order. Dates were checked in October 2026, but they can change, so always confirm on the official race website before you enter.
Sun 11 Oct 2026Melbourne MarathonRoad · Melbourne, VICDistances: Marathon, half, 10K, 5KA big city marathon that finishes inside the MCG. A great autumn target for the following year if this one is too close.Official race infoMarathon coaching
Sat 13 Mar 2027Six Foot Track MarathonTrail · Blue Mountains, NSWDistances: 45 km trailA classic Blue Mountains trail race from near Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. A perfect first step into trail racing for road marathoners.Official race infoTrail coaching
Sun 11 Apr 2027Canberra MarathonRoad · Canberra, ACTDistances: Marathon and half on Sunday, 10K and 5.4K on SaturdayAn autumn marathon in the capital, usually in cool morning conditions. A good spring build target for Sydney based runners.Official race infoMarathon coaching
Sun 2 May 2027Sydney Half Marathon (HOKA Runaway)Road · Sydney, NSWDistances: Half marathonSydney's big autumn half through the city. Ideal as a goal race or as a tune up for a winter marathon.Official race infoHalf marathon coaching
13 to 16 May 2027Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMBTrail · Katoomba, Blue Mountains, NSWDistances: 11K, 22K, 50K, 100K and 100 mileMy home ultra. Stairs, long climbs and long descents. I won the 50 year category over 100K here in 2026.Official race infoTrail and ultra coaching
15 to 16 May 2027Great Ocean Road Running FestivalRoad · Apollo Bay, VICDistances: Ten distances across two daysOne of the most scenic road races in Australia, along the coast of the Great Ocean Road.Official race infoMarathon coaching
Sun 4 Jul 2027Gold Coast MarathonRoad · Gold Coast, QLDDistances: Marathon, half, 10K, 5KA flat, fast course in mild winter weather. One of the best places in Australia to chase a personal best.Official race infoMarathon coaching
Sun 8 Aug 2027City2SurfFun run · Sydney, NSWDistances: 14 kmSydney's famous run from the city to Bondi, including Heartbreak Hill. A great goal for new runners and a fun hit out for everyone else.Official race info5K and 10K coaching
Sun 29 Aug 2027Sydney MarathonRoad · Sydney, NSWDistances: Marathon (entry by ballot and qualifying times)Now one of the World Marathon Majors, finishing at the Opera House. Plan ahead: entry is by ballot or qualifying time.Official race infoMarathon coaching
How to choose your goal race
Give yourself time. Allow around 16 to 20 weeks to train for a marathon, 10 to 14 weeks for a half and 8 to 10 weeks for a 10K, on top of a base of regular running.
Pick the course for the goal. Chasing a personal best? Choose a flat course in cool weather. Want an adventure? Choose trail.
Check the entry rules. Big races sell out, and some use a ballot or qualifying times. Enter early.
Plan your season. One or two key races a year, with a few shorter races as tune ups, works for most runners.
